Step or ladder



(No Model.)

R. HAMMILL.

STEP 0R LADDER.

No. 305,590. Patented Sept. 23, 1884.

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TUNrrnn STATES. Partnr Ortisei..

RICHARD II'AhZIilIILL, OF (JI-IICACTO, ILLINOIS.

STEP VOR LADDER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 305,590, dated September 23, 1884.

Application filed July 15. 1884.

To @H whom t may concern,.-

Be it known that I, Bici-IARD Hnirifiirr., a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Steps or Ladders, ot'which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

My invention relates to an improved step or ladder especially adapted to use upon' frei ghtcars, but also applicable as a fire-escape.

The object of the invention is to improve the general construction ofthe step or ladder, and, further, to provide means for preventing the foot of the person using the same from slipping ofi' at the side.

To the accomplishment of the above, the invention consist-s of the novel devices and cornbination of devices, as will be described and claimed. p

Reference will. be made to the accompanying drawings,` in which Figure 1 is a view of the end of a freight-ear, with my improvements in position; Fig. 2, a front view ofthe invention when used as a ladder; Fig. .3, a similar View of one step when used as such; Fig. 4, a section on line l l of Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 an end view of one step.-

Like letters refer to like parts in each view.

A represents a freight-car to which my invention is applicable. It has been customary heretofore to secure to the sides of such cars a series of steps, by the use of which the brake men and others can reach the top thereof.

y invention consists in certain improve ments made in such steps.

Each step B consists of a cast-metal strip bent upwardly at each end, as at a, and then bent at right angles to 'forni the extensions b, upon the rear ends of which plates c are cast. Through plates c suitable openings are formed for the passage" of any suit-able bolts, these bolts entering frame of the car, and adapted to hold the steps in position. As shown in the drawings, plates c extend above and below'the cross-bar of the step, and upon the upper front l face of each there is formed a boss, d, to give additional strength at that particular point (No model.)

where the greatest strain is felt. rllhe crossbar forming the step proper is roughened upon its upper edge to render the step ice-proof, and a strengthening-Harige, c, is formed upon its lower face, as shown. These steps are secured to the sides or ends of the ear, being placed one above the other, as shown in Fig. l, and preferably one upon the top of the car. It is sometimes found convenient to use a ladder in place of these steps, this being generally done where the appliance is to be secured to the end ofthe car.

To adapt my invention to use as a ladder, I do away with the upward curve at the ends ot' the cross-bar and also with the extensions Z1, and instead form what is substantially half of one of the plates c upon each end of said cross-bar. Upon each end of the crossbar is cast a pin,

f, which are adapted to enter -suitable -openings formed in uprights C and to be riveted therein, whereby the step is securely held in position. These cross-bars when used to form ladders are formed with the same roughened upper surface and with the same strengthening-flange c as described in the first instance. The uprights C are secured to the top and bottom of the car, and extend sufficiently above the top of same to form a complete ladder, the ends being curved, as shown in Fig. l, to leave a space between the car top and them for the hand of the person.

It will be understood that, although this iii- -vention has been described throughout in con combination with uprights C, as and for the Q Y o5,590

upwardly at itseuds, rougheued upon its up- In testimony whereof I affix my signature in I pel` face, provided with strengtheningiange presence of two Witnesses.

e, and cast with suitable plates for securing it v in position, as set forth. RICHARD HAMMILL.

5. The step B, consisting of a cross-piece bent upwardly at its ends and cast with plates Witnesses:

c, said plates provided on their upper front M. J.. CLAGETT,

face with bosses d, as set forth LoUIs NOLTING. 

